Tigers move Cabrera to DH due to chronic knee issue


Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera is being moved to designated hitter for the long term after being diagnosed with “chronic changes to his knee,” MLB.com reported Tuesday.

Tigers trainer Doug Teter said that was the diagnosis after four specialists reviewed an MRI exam of Cabrera’s right knee.

Surgery was discussed but was not recommended. The 36-year-old Cabrera told reporters on Tuesday that surgery isn’t an option in his eyes.

“Forget about that,” Cabrera told reporters. “I’m done with that.”

Cabrera is serving as the DH and batting fourth in Tuesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The hope is there will be less wear and tear on Cabrera’s knee if he doesn’t play in the field.

Cabrera underwent the MRI on Saturday, one day after leaving a game against the Atlanta Braves due to soreness. He missed the next two games.

The two-time American League MVP is batting .284 with just two homers and 22 RBIs in 54 games this season. The 11-time All-Star has experienced issues trying to push off with his legs as he swings the bat.

“The only advice I can say to young kids is take care of their body when they have to,” Cabrera told reporters. “When they have something, stop playing for a week and come back. Don’t play through pain, because you’re going to pay the price later.”

Cabrera, 36, played in just 38 games last season due to a season-ending biceps injury. He is a career .316 hitter with 467 homers and 1,657 RBIs in 2,318 games with the then-Florida Marlins (2003-07) and Detroit, where he has played since 2008.